The Daily Dirt, April 5: Expansion race

The MLS expansion race was thrown a curveball last night. St. Louis has long been thought of as a front-runner in the race, but its citizens voted against a proposal that would have contributed $60 million to a stadium project. Many thought that the departure of the NFL’s Rams made St. Louis a prime location for MLS, but stadium funding has been an issue in the city’s bid throughout the process.

MLS made their displeasure known almost immediately after the results came through:

The chances for the eleven other cities bidding for four expansion clubs are now increased due to the setback for St. Louis. The league is expected to announce the first two clubs admitted into the league for 2020 later this year.

Sacramento and Cincinnati have been successful in USL and could be considered as favorites for future expansion. San Diego is coming on strong with Landon Donovan’s involvement and the departure of the NFL’s Chargers creating some opportunities for the ownership group. In the South, many feel that the Tampa Bay Rowdies have the strongest bid and could be a potential addition to MLS.

Let us know your thoughts on which two cities are the front runners for that announcement in the comments.

Domestic

St. Louis votes against funding for soccer stadium connected to MLS expansion bid (ESPN)

Late goal from Pachuca knocks FC Dallas out in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals (Big D Soccer)

FC Dallas wastes chances in loss to Pachuca to crash out of the CONCACAF Champions League (MLS)

Carl Robinson rallies Vancouver behind the Whitecaps for tonight’s CONCACAF Champions League match against Tigres (The Province)

Mike Petke faces challenges in his first week in charge of RSL (Salt Lake Tribune)

International

Pachuca’s Hirving Lozano ready for a move to Europe (FOX)

Battles brewing in UEFA over a potential Super League (BBC)

Andrea Pirlo might be in line to join to the coaching staff at Chelsea (Talk Sport)

Local